Chapter 4, Dazzling.
Perhaps the only issue is that glass, like stone, lacks spirituality and cannot replace jade.
That evening, Li Xian convened a meeting. Looking around at nearly sixty pairs of eager eyes, along with the persistent Li Youwei who had squeezed his way in, Li Xian finally delivered his formal speech
The finished glass is not only beautiful, smooth, and transparent with rich colors, but also has a seamless texture that cannot be analyzed for its components or craftsmanship through any means of perception. Therefore, as long as the method of glass production remains confidential, it is truly exciting to think about.
Li Xian suddenly froze, and after a long while, he suddenly shouted, "Wow, this is a grounding wire!"
However, in the face of the excited Li Youwei, Li Xian said something surprising: "Third Uncle, I am prepared to make a loss-making deal"
... ...
More than 500 colorful lights illuminated the courtyard of the Li family workshop, leaving everyone momentarily astonished
Upon seeing these individuals, Li Xian felt a slight surge of excitement in his heart, as his grand undertaking was about to commence from this point. In the initial stages of technology, what is most needed is not some advanced techniques, but rather a solid foundation—this foundation is of utmost importance.
Li Xian takes 5% from his own 80% profit to give to Sun Ming. These two simple transactions allow Li Xian to truly touch the threshold of changing the formation world. Most importantly, the significance of this small "switch" is profound; the entire technological system cannot exist without the presence of a switch
By addressing the fundamental issue, this jade lamp no longer needs to be inverted; it can completely incorporate a switch, one as convenient as a circuit. This allows for the design of more exquisite jade lamps, and this concept of a grounding wire is equally effective in other formations
This ... ... '' Sun Ming was momentarily stunned. As a master craftsman, how could he not know what 5% of pure profit represents? That should be at least 25 taels of gold, 250 taels of silver, or 250,000 copper coins! And two copper coins can buy one jin of japonica rice. This is a substantial sum.
The technology of glass was rapidly resolved with the assistance of Li Xian and the other practitioners. It must be said that although these practitioners only possessed cultivation levels of three or four, at most five or six, they are, after all, practitioners with spiritual awareness. Through everyone's efforts, glassware was produced in just three days.
In addition to artistic lamps, there is also a great invention—the flashlight; well, it is referred to here as the "night lamp"
The first difficulty in creating colored lights is the transformation of the array.
After finishing, Li Yulong merely said lightly: "You are still not focusing on your proper duties. Forget it, you may continue to protect him."
Teacher, please rest assured and continue. If you do not accept it, others will not dare to accept rewards in the future. Li Xian was very pleased to give it. Haha, with this reward, I do not believe the rest will not strive hard—an example, indeed an example
"Ground wire? Where is it grounded?" Sun Ming's face was filled with confusion
Li Xian first swore an oath, guaranteeing the words spoken yesterday; the craftsmen also all took an oath. For a moment, it seemed that everyone was filled with joy. Several other workshops came over to watch the excitement, and although many did not speak out, they still harbored some ridicule in their hearts—who does not know Li Xian
At this point, Sun Ming suddenly extended his hand to draw two parallel lines, stretching out from the center and the edge of the formation respectively. "Xiao Xian, this is a principle I inadvertently discovered many years ago. These two lines will interfere with the formation, preventing it from functioning. However, as long as one of the lines is severed, the formation can be restored. If both lines are cut simultaneously while the formation is in operation, the entire formation will be destroyed"
No, this jade lamp only involves a minor formation; there should be a simpler method! That's right, let's do it this way!
Indeed, in the first experiment, Li Xian honorably failed
The story of the Seven Fairies features each fairy holding a lotus lamp of various postures, vibrant and resplendent. Beneath their feet lies a dazzling jade platform. The entire sculpture stands at a height of 8 feet and has a square base of 10 feet. It is predominantly made of glass, which is crystal clear and translucent. Moreover, the glass encases the jade, effectively concealing the intricate patterns of the formation, making it impossible to disassemble, thus ensuring confidentiality for a period of time
Li Xian also looked at the other workshops, but in his heart, he was smiling with satisfaction. Look, look, enjoy the view, I believe it won't be long before you will feel envious. It is precisely by letting you see this that you will willingly join my chariot in the future
The formation has been resolved, and the glass has also been addressed; what remains are merely minor difficulties. Finally, two months after Li Xian arrived at the jade lamp workshop, the workshop was completely transformed into a colorful lantern factory, where more than 500 vibrant and splendid lanterns of various sizes were produced by the team.
Acting on impulse, they dipped all the completed jade lamps in ink and rolled them on paper, leaving behind a series of marks. One after another, Li Xian and Sun Ming began to compare.
Although there is a brilliant civilization of cultivation here, it does not mean that it can be directly utilized; it must be fundamentally digested and absorbed. The development of technology needs to start from the most basic level, as a tall building rises from the ground up
The colorful glass products immediately captivated Sun Ming and others; Li Youwei was also equally impressed.
The small artistic lamps are the size of a fist, featuring designs such as flowers, water droplets, small birds, and adorable little squirrels, each one exquisitely crafted.
On the third day, Li Xian personally presided over the operation of the workshop; however, like all enterprises, he encountered difficulties on the first day—specifically, the formation. The original formation was engraved on both ends of the jade stone, and it could simply be reversed. However, if one were to create a lotus lamp measuring three feet in size, it would be absurd to flip the lotus over, as that would be quite ridiculous
Moreover, since there is glass, mirrors must certainly make a grand appearance! There are also telescopes, but this one has been sealed away; good things are meant to be kept in high regard.
The shadow vanished in an instant, as if it had never existed at all
"What is that little fellow doing?" In the Li residence of Wuyang City, Li Yulong was inquiring about a shadow that flickered uncertainly beside him
Extend a certain circuit in the formation to create a switch that can be freely opened and closed
Everyone in the jade lamp workshop is cheering; even a fool can see the business opportunity within.
They are all here. The shadow presented a jade slip, in which all of Li Xian's performances were recorded.
Upon hearing about the reward of one or two silver coins, even Master Sun Ming's eyes lit up with excitement
"That would destroy the formation." Sun Ming strongly refuted Li Xian's unrealistic idea
I understand that many of you have questions and some concerns. However, some matters are not just about words, but about actions. I ask for one month of your time, and I will show you a different Jade Lantern Workshop. For the time being, the person in charge of the Jade Lantern Workshop will still be Teacher Sun Ming. However, I will also pay attention and will provide rewards and punishments, as well as promotions based on each person's performance and abilities. From now on, your future is in your own hands. Now, I will announce the first plan, which is roughly divided into three parts. First, we will integrate sculpture and art into the colored lanterns. This requires research on different colors and brightness of lights, as well as the study of spiritual materials such as jade and crystal for sculpting. Second, we will study glass craftsmanship. The main components of glass are actually only three: quartz, alkali, and lime; however, there are also advanced formulas, such as quartz, alkali, and calcite, or the addition of fluorite and nitrate. We will discuss this further later. Additionally, in order to make our glass more noble and unique, I have decided to rename it to: glass (no laughing). Third, we will establish a research group responsible for studying formations, glass formulas, and so on. The first and second points will be executed first; for the third point, I will personally execute and select. Those chosen to join the research group will receive a daily reward of one or two silver coins.
However, to summarize the principles of formations, one must start from the most fundamental aspects: the One, the Two Principles, the Three Powers, the Four Symbols, the Five Elements, the Six Harmonies, the Seven Stars, the Eight Trigrams, the Nine Palaces, and the Ten Extremes. This will be a very complex task
Haha, let's call it the grounding wire. From now on, these two wires will be referred to as the grounding wire, one as the positive terminal and the other as the negative terminal. Teacher, students should not take advantage of you. I declare that I will grant you 5% of the pure profit as a reward.
Here ... ... here ... ... and here ... ... " Li Xian became increasingly excited, finally discovering the pattern. This formation can indeed be altered, but it cannot be changed arbitrarily. Each formation consists of several 'modules', and there are connecting lines between the modules; the modules themselves cannot be changed, but the connecting lines can be appropriately modified.
On the afternoon of the second day, Li Xian once again gathered all the members of the jade lamp workshop, and there were nearly sixty people in total, including those responsible for purchasing jade, cutting jade, managing tools, and so on
Li Xian did not respond, but was deep in thought: everything has its foundation and rules, and this formation must be no exception. As long as one grasps the basic principles, one should be able to design formations freely. It is just like software!
Sun Ming shook his head: "The formation can be changed, but it cannot be altered casually. Every corner of the formation, every mark's length, thickness, and depth, is strictly regulated. The reason we previously created cylindrical jade lamps is that the formation is also a crucial aspect. To change the formation, one must have a profound foundation in formations."
Can it only be changed appropriately? Li Xian furrowed his brows in thought. Seeing Li Xian's contemplative expression, Sun Ming couldn't help but feel a sense of emotion: Truly, a prodigal son has returned!